A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Shanghai for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Dubai or Shanghai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Shanghai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Shanghai?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dubai than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Shanghai is known for its museums and food. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shanghai and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Shanghai is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Shanghai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Shanghai?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Music?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Shanghai?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Shanghai both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Shanghai.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly place to visit. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Students?

Dubai is a world-class destination for students. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Shanghai is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Is Dubai or Shanghai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Shanghai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a great port city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Shanghai?

In either Dubai or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Shanghai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Shanghai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Dubai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Shanghai.

One day in Dubai or Shanghai?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Shanghai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling big city offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Shanghai?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Shanghai?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. In Shanghai, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Shanghai?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the professional big city of Shanghai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Shanghai, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Shanghai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Shanghai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Shanghai, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dubai or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Shanghai in the Summer?

Both Shanghai and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Shanghai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Shanghai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dubai is much warmer than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Shanghai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Shanghai. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Shanghai in the Spring?

Both Shanghai and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Dubai